He played an important role in negotiating S. J. Res. 23, which authorized the President to take military action to respond to the September 11 attacks. He worked behind the scene to ensure that the resolution conveyed the unified support of the Congress for U.S. military action while preserving the Constitutional responsibility of the Congress in matters relating to the conduct of war.

In the months since the attacks, the Senator has discussed the U.S. diplomatic, financial, and military efforts against terrorism in meetings with the President, Secretary of State Colin Powell and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. In a hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in October, he pressed Secretary Powell to ensure that U.S. involvement with the Afghan people will not end when our military objectives have been achieved, and he called for the UN Security Council to take the lead in ensuring a serious, long-term international commitment to rebuilding Afghanistan and preventing it from once again becoming a haven for terror and chaos. He continues to follow these developments closely through classified briefings and meetings with Administration officials.

Improving Transportation Security
Aviation security is an issue of national security. Working alongside Commerce Committee Chairman Fritz Hollings (D-SC) and Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Senator Kerry introduced the "Aviation Security Act" (S. 1447), to provide for complete federal oversight of airport security. The Senate passed this legislation unanimously, while the House passed its own aviation security legislation that differed greatly from our bill. As a member of the House-Senate Conference Committee, Senator Kerry helped to negotiate a reconciliation of the two bills, which produced a final version that was quite similar to the Senate bill. The President signed the bill into law on November 19, 2001.

The new law requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to assume responsibility for providing federal workers to screen passengers and baggage at the nation's airports. The performance of privately-employed screeners has come under great scrutiny since the attacks. The General Accounting Office and Department of Transportation's Inspector General have both concluded that the job’s low pay and lack of benefits have attracted unqualified personnel and have caused turnover in excess of 100 percent at all major U.S. airports. Only a federal workforce will be able to address the systemic problems that have reduced screeners’ effectiveness. The DOT, in cooperation with the Department of Justice and other federal agencies, will also have to improve the coordination of airport security, including the development of a database to ensure that individuals who may pose a threat to national security do not board aircraft.

The legislation also directs the Department of Transportation to immediately require airlines to meet improved cockpit door security rules. As you know, many airlines have already completed the reinforcement of cockpit doors. The law also allows pilots who complete a federal training program to carry a weapon if permitted by their airline.